Friday Confessions-Beautiful Belly's

I must confess, nothing beats a not-so-good day at work, than a night of fun, laughter and dancing with girlfriends!  Something about laughing and dancing, or laughing while you dance, really cures what ails you, or me in this case.  I signed up for Belly Dancing.  Yep, I sure did and the cool thing is, as much as I've been working on getting a 6-pack; I am delighted to know that in the Belly Dancing world, a 6-pack is not required.  As a matter of fact, voluptuous belly's in their most natural or un-defined state are actually beautiful, sexy even.  Sure, small, thin belly's are in, but in the belly dancing world, big belly's are to be embraced and exposed!!!  I may have found a comfort zone for the belly!  Now, under normal circumstances, I would never consider exposing my belly, however, last night, a girlfriend said--"next week we should wear mid-driffs!"  As I laughed hysterically at her suggestion, I must confess I'm actually contemplating it.  You see, in belly dancing class, I could actually get away with wearing a mid-driff, but no where else!   As you become more seasoned in life (read: as you age) you do gain a certain amount of confidence that you didn't previously have.  However, with that, you have to be a little cautious that you don't get to over-confident and take it too far!  For example, if I do decide to wear a mid-driff for belly dancing purposes only, it will be worn to class, under another longer shirt, then exposed, and re-covered prior to exiting the dance class.  I am one who always "when in Rome--do as the Romans"...so, since I have the dance scarf with coins--shouldn't I add the mid-driff?  I want to encourage everyone on this journey with me, to get involved in something that will really boost your spirits (get your body moving) and add some happiness to your day.     Focus on the positive it will help to cancel out all the negative....be inspired and I hope you dance!

30 Days

I'm back!!! Football season is OVER and I can resume life as I knew it pre-football season.  Before I begin--Make sure you get out and vote.  Be heard, be counted.  Our ancestors didn't have the same rights we have and they paved the way for us-- make sure you do your part and VOTE!  If you don't know the candidates or the issues, check your State Board of Elections website-all the information is there.

Give me 30 days---30 days to re-focus, re-direct, re-charge and re-discover ME.  Football season and back to school causes me to shift most of my focus, time and energy towards my boys.  (it's easier to maintain more of a balance-in the off season)  While I still maintained an exercise routine and ran one race since the last time I blogged, football season leaves me with a ounce of energy and I use that for self-care and self-preservation.  I thought I could do it ALL, but somehow, I wasn't able to.  I learned a valuable lesson this football season.  I CAN do it ALL, just NOT all at once and definitely NOT during football season.  I also learned that when you make a promise to yourself, you should keep it....otherwise the regret isn't worth it.  I don't regret much, but I do regret I didn't keep a promise I made to myself prior to football season.   So, the next 30 days will be about me getting back on task, setting/readjusting some goals, and making some changes.  Anybody with me?  The changes can be whatever you want--and I bet after 30 days---the changes will stick!!! So, who is in?

I Think I Can!!!

I did something really kinda crazy the other day...and honestly, I'd do it again.  Saturday I participated in the Marine Corps Run Amuck-3.5 mile race.  Now, this is not just a run, it's a run with mud, obstacles and some Marine motivation to keep you going.  Now, I was somewhat prepared for the mud and I knew what obstacles would be included, but NOTHING could prepare me for Devil Dog Run.  The sign for Devil Dog Run greeted me as I entered the off road terrain, after I did about 1 mile.  The first mile included a few hills (oh my) on paved road, 10 jumping jacks, a run/jump/high knees thru tires, a run thru the 1st mud pit (wow my shoes are heavy now!) and a jump/climb/crawl over hay bails.  By the time I got to Devil Dog Run, I was thinking, I don't like the Devil, I don't like Dogs...and I'm really not liking this Run right about now!!!!  The off road terrain was comprised of more obstacles, sit ups, flutter kicks, pipes to crawl thru and hills, which really seemed like mountains.  And don't forget MORE MUD at least they said it was mud.  When I had to crawl under the barbed-wire portion--the mud had an odor that reminded me of well, let's just say, NOT mud.  I started thinking wow, people actually sign up for the Marines to do this stuff ALL THE TIME? oh, and it didn't help that they had Marines stationed at each obstacle and throughout the course to "motivate" us.  Ha, Motivate? well, let's just say, something about being yelled at thorough a mega-fone--is really motivating or really aggrevating--you decide!!!  I will say, as with everything, I thought long and hard and got a little philosophical... The sacrafices the Marines and other armed forces make for our freedom, is noteworthy, so while I was "running amuck" I did think about that and thought in amazment and gratitude.  I even tried to imagine how they run that trail in the dark...(no, I didn't start running with my eyes closed!)  All in all, it was a life changing experience and it not only really challenged my body, but it challenged my mind because at one point I had to revert back to the famous saying by the Little Engine that Could....I think I can, I think I can!!!   I pushed myself to step outside the box and into the mud--literally--and I can say, I have a really clear picture of how to overcome obstacles (no pun intended).  I encourage everyone to find something that will cause you step outside your box and overcome the obstacles!  Just remember, me, the mud and the Little Engine that Could!  You can do it!!!

Friday ConFessions

It's Friday and I am glad to say it's a looonnnggg holiday weekend.  True Confession--yesterday, I was so done on so many levels...but only for a moment.  Everyone knows my moments last only for seconds, and nervous breakdowns have to be scheduled in advance so, I pressed on!!!!  It seemed that everywhere I turned yesterday there was a red neon sign saying "you should have stayed in bed".   As usual the week included a list of crazy events that only happen to me (Lucyyyyy!).  For example accidently being stabbed in the hind quarter (my son really does love me); running through the woods in heels after a dog that is obviously laughing at the spectacle of me chasing her (the family dog really does hate me); two strange dogs, on two different days hanging out in my driveway, one being a Rottweiler that looked like he was foaming at the mouth; being stuck in major grid-lock traffic and being late to pick up my son that's been away at camp for 12 days; should I continue with the list, because I think you get my point.  All in all, I must confess, I had to give myself a pep talk and get it together quickly.  I went into self-talk mode because quitting and throwing in the towel isn't an option and neither is having a pity party.  I resorted to my workout and released the craziness of the days that had been set before me.   However I was reminded that some people are stuck in a ditch, rut, pit, pothole, call it what you like, some folks are stuck. I want to encourage everyone to get a shovel, a rake, a bucket, grab something, and start digging out of that hole you are in.  I've talked to several of you and several of you have fallen off the wagon and can't get up!!!   Here is your Life Call---GET UP, actually JUMP UP, look at that wagon, and CLIMB BACK IN.   You CAN Do It!  For everyone that posts about getting back in the wagon, and how they plan to get in and stay in--I will send you a little summer treat!  Come on, the wagon is rolling.....

insane Friday ConFessions

I'm just going to say it...I have reached insanity.  I NEVER thought I would get to this point, but I'm insane in the membrane!!! I worked out 6 nights and included a 9 hole round of golf last night.  I know crazy, isn't it?  I can say, I feel empowered!! I feel great!!! I feel like I can climb Mt. Everest!..oh wait--that might be a stretch!  I don't like the cold weather (as if that's the only reason).  I have finally reached the point where I feel the need to work out, whether I feel like it or not.  I have past the point of it being a want--it is now a need and my body and mind NEED IT.  Wow--this is a huge milestone for me.  I've never been this consistent with a workout plan or healthy eating.  I am still working on cutting out the "whites" in my diet--that is going to be a work in progress, but I am more conscious of it now.    Here is the biggest confession for the week-- I took the plunge and hit the Enter button.  I ENTERED a 5K! YIKES...stay tuned, I might just get to that marathon one day....(or 1/2 marathon).  

Friday ConFessions

I had an epiphany last night as I was preparing for my second workout of the week.  I was thinking hmmmm, I'm supposed to work out three times a week now (since I made that declaration two weeks ago) and I'm one behind.  So I had a choice, prepare to confess I only got two in, or get up early today and get one more in.  At that moment when I was debating what to do, a slogan popped into my mind...."Put your money where your mouth is!"  This was a Close-Up toothpaste commercial and slogan used back in the late 70's.   However, this statement is still used and rings true today.  I had to remind myself that I made a declaration and I had to put my money where my mouth is.  I thought I have to follow through on my goals and continue to do it and not allow for ANY excuses.  I have made a promise to myself to take better care of "me", mentally, physically and spiritually (almost by any means necessary).  As a result, I am going to continue to put my money where my mouth is!!!! and YES, I got that third workout in this morning!!!!